Shadow Generation Apparatus and Method

Abstract

Apparatus and a method for generating a shadow onto a real world surface is described, with the shadow being related to a virtual object in for example a game world. The apparatus ( 24 ) comprises a light source ( 26 ), receiving means ( 28 ) for receiving a real world description, and shadow generation control means ( 30 ) which control the light source to generate a shadow for projection onto the real world surface ( 18 ) in dependence on the received real world description. Hence, apparatus that delivers shadow effects in a room in order to enhance a gaming or movie watching experience is provided.

1 . Apparatus for projecting a shadow related to a virtual object, onto a real world surface, comprising a light source,
 receiving means for receiving a real world description, and   shadow generation control means which control the light source to generate a shadow for projection onto the real world surface in dependence on the received real world description.   
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of addressable light emitting diodes, each of which outputs through a respective lens for projection. 
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein each respective lens is a fresnel lens. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the shadow generation control means selectively addresses each light emitting diode in dependence on the received real world description to generate the shadow for projection. 
   
   
       5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a liquid crystal display projector. 
   
   
       6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the shadow generation control means selectively addresses the pixels of the display to generate the shadow for projection. 
   
   
       7 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the received real world description is in the form of an instruction set of a markup language. 
   
   
       8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the received real world description includes location information. 
   
   
       9 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said real world surface comprises display means. 
   
   
       10 . A method for providing a real world shadow effect related to a virtual object, comprising receiving a real world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language, and controlling a light source to generate a shadow in dependence on the received real world description. 
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein a template of shadow shapes associated with the real world description is used in said controlling of the light source to generate said shadow effect.